Best Finance & Service Package

IT is all change in the Best Finance & Service Package award, as Volkswagen gives way to Citroen, or as it’s now called, Free2Move Lease.

So why the change? Well, Free2Move Lease has watched what rivals are offering and created a solution with Fleet Command and Fleet Command Plus, that has taken over from competition such as last year’s winner – Volkswagen.

Free2Move Lease can now offer a Contract Hire and Finance Lease with and without balloon payment through Citroen Contract Motoring.

However, for smaller van fleets and sole traders, they also offer Lease purchase and a flexible PCP product – with no restrictions for business type for any of their products.

Best Finance and Service Package – The Contenders:

  • Free2Move Lease (formerly Citroen Contract Motoring)
  • Vauxhall
  • Volkswagen

Last year’s winner was Volkswagen

They also work closely with manufacturers to offer the most market relevant/desirable schemes and carry out annual profiling of their customers, via forums and market research, to make sure that their products are best placed.

In fact this is one of Free2Move Lease’s key advantages – their business centre family and they continue to monitor mobility solutions and eco trends as an integral part of their working.

One of the key developments over the last year has been the launch of Fleet Command – a free of charge service.

This service is designed to assist their LCV customers to remain compliant in terms of their Duty of Care obligations, ensuring that LCV customers have access to professional CV experience in managing their vehicle(s) during the contract, and that the customer is given the best information to reduce any potential end of term charges. Needless to say this service also greatly reduces business administration for the SME users.

Fleet Command utilises a GPS mileage feed from the telematics box fitted as standard to Citroen Berlingo, Dispatch and Relay models, which integrates with Free2Move Lease’s bespoke Fleet Management Systems.

Fleet Command then contacts customers with Service Due Reminders (regardless of lease type/customer size) based around the GPS mileage of the vehicle (or time, whichever comes first) in line with the manufacturer recommendations. This also applies to MOTs.

The customer has a one number solution for all activities and the Fleet Command team can centrally make the appropriate service bookings, ensuring the least disruption to the customer throughout the contract term. Each activity is logged to assist customers with their service history and personal preferences are noted for preferred dealer/most suitable times/requirement for courtesy vehicle etc.

Customers can also use the dedicated Fleet Command section of the Citroen Contract Motoring website or email routes for requests or enquiries. In addition, the driver can report any vehicle defects to Fleet Command, who will make the necessary arrangements for suitable repairs.

What the judges said:

  • With the support infrastructure in place for business, be they large or small, Citroen have engaged successfully with the market and created an offering that is watched with envy by other manufacturers.
  • Many value-added services take the hassle of operating vans safely and compliant and this gives Citroen the edge.
  • Vauxhall’s extensive network, zero % finance on leasing and SMR packages are also extremely attractive.

All services, defect repairs and mechanical roadside incidents are then monitored on the day to ensure complete and professional repairs.
The Fleet Command team monitor any manufacturer recalls and proactively manage these with customers and dealers with convenience and minimum downtime in mind. Every customer is supplied with Roadside Assistance throughout their duration of their contract.

In addition, the Fleet Command team compares GPS mileage with the contractual mileage, and posts advisory letters to customers heavily exceeding their contractual mileage. This allows the customer to amend their contractual mileage during the remainder of their contract or make adjustments to their commercial vehicle fleet usage to avoid excess mileage charges.

Excess mileage is one of the key challenges for fleet and leasing companies. This Free of Charge service takes CCM to the next level in their offering with many competitors charging large monthly payments for an often lesser service. CCM also offers as an option, Fleet Command Plus for fleets.

  • The Business Van Awards 2016 are sponsored by Vanarama.
Best Finance & Service Package

Duncan Chumley receives the award from Jon Gilbert, left, of sponsor Vanarama and Paul Hollick of TMC, chairman of judges

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